I had the pleasure of being interviewed by fellow author Matthew Arnold Stern for his newsletter. This is the second time he interviewed me, and each time is a pleasure. We discussed writing and my newest book, Black Yé’ii (The Evil One)
| Interview with Joseph Lewis |
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| I interviewed author Joseph Lewis in 2022. Since then, he’s released a new novel from Black Rose Writing, Black Yéʼii (The Evil One). We talked about his new book and changes in the publishing industry. How do you think the Packers will do this year?Being a life-long Green Bay Packers fan, I’ve experienced the highs and the lows. Not that I’m numb to it at all. It’s just with my own coaching experience and watching so many athletic teams succeed or do poorly, I don’t set my hopes too high. I think any team is an injury or two away from crashing out. For the 2025-26 season, I think the Packers might win the division, though the Lions look mighty tough most of the time, and while the Packers did well in their first two games, they looked only above average lately. I’m guessing they will make the playoffs, but I expect that run not to go so deep. [Ed: The Packers are currently 9-4-1 and the seventh seed in the NFC playoffs. They’re in second place in the NFC North behind the Chicago Bears.] Since we last spoke, you came out with your latest novel, Black Yé’ii (The Evil One). Tell us about this book.Black Yé’ii (The Evil One) takes its name from a Navajo mystical/spiritual belief. They have many Yé’ii, and most are considered to be good or at the least, helpful. But there is one they seldom if ever speak of or mention by name: Black Yé’ii because it translates to the Evil One. The belief is that if you speak of it or mention it by name, you are inviting it into your life. It is evil and ugly, and if we compare it to a Christian belief, we would call it sin or sinful. So the story, Black Yé’ii (The Evil One) is a story of good vs evil; love vs death, and at the least, life vs death. It explores the difference between true family love and gang belonging. What was the biggest challenge in writing this book?Because I am not Navajo or of an Indigenous heritage, I had to rely on research for background. The research included hours of email back and forth with the Navajo Nation Museum, with various Navajos who helped with language, religion, spirituality, and mysticism. I watched YouTube videos of a Navajo elder talking about Navajo culture and beliefs. When I write, I feel I owe it to the reader to “get it right.” I don’t want the reader to be misled in anything I write. I also feel obligated to tell my stories accurately when discussing Navajo life—past and present. |
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| How do you feel the publishing world has changed in the past three years? My first four books were published by a small publisher, which has since gone out of business. My current publisher, Black Rose Writing, picked up those books and have published each of my books since. I couldn’t be more pleased or satisfied. I’ve not ventured out of that world since. No agents. Just BRW and me, along with about 700 or 800 other authors. But what most people don’t know is the amount of work that goes into the writing and publication of any book. Advertising is expensive. Getting your book into the hands of readers is time-consuming, and it takes away from what the writer truly enjoys doing—creating stories. Being an author is not a get rich quick business. All that being said, I’m happy where I am and with the stories I’ve written. I wouldn’t change a thing, except maybe for a few more bucks in my wallet. What advice would you give writers who are interested in writing police procedurals?Make sure you do your research. I typically use a forensic scientist, a police chief, three deputies, one of whom is a former SWAT team member. I believe what Stephen King wrote in his book On Writing when he says, unless you read as much or more than what you write, you won’t have the tools in your toolbox to write. I bounce ideas off of them, I ask questions, I run scenarios by them. All because I want to be as accurate as possible. Anyone writing in this genre needs to do the same. Where can people learn more about you and your books?My website is an excellent source for finding out more about me and my books. It is located at https://www.jrlewisauthor.com but I also have other social media sites readers can explore. The can be located at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557592103627 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjosephlewis/ TikTok: @josephlewis5566 Substack: https://tinyurl.com/2m5ckdvh |
I also had the opportunity to read an advance copy of author Cam Torrens brilliant new book, Havoc, and I wrote a review for it. If you’ve not discussed Torrens as a writer, you owe it to yourself to check him out. Here is my review:
I believe I’ve read every book by Cam Torrens, and I have yet to be disappointed. His latest, HAVOC, is an absolutely riveting thriller that kept me guessing. He dances between past and present day expertly. He creates vivid descriptions packed with action and settings that are to die for. Torrens crafts thrillers like no other, using his search and rescue background and his flying experience to make the story come alive. His main character, Tyler Zahn, is unique, highly skilled, and genuine. I’m a sucker for flawed characters that tug on the heart. HAVOC by Cam Torrens receives a well-deserved 5 Star Rating. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I believe it is his best work to date.
Joseph Lewis, Author of Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) and Fan Mail.
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